Rafiki's Progress

I am writing to introduce Rafiki (Swahili for 'friend') who is more commonly known as Rafi. He was born on Wednesday 16th June 2005. He became our 'school dog' in September that year and accompanies me (Miss Bennett) into school daily.

Rafi at 2 days old

Rafi is a chocolate coloured Labrador. Labradors are by nature gentle and friendly creatures but Rafiki's ancestry will prepare him well to work in a school environment. He is the product of ten generations of working dogs bred to work with children and adults. We hope the children will gain a great deal of enjoyment from having 'their' school dog and that he becomes an established part of life at Flax Bourton Primary.

Rafi at 1 week old

Rafi is  a specially trained, assessed and registered 'PAT-PRO working Labrador'. While his main place of residence will be the office area, Rafi will be available for the children to pat and play with under strict supervision at certain times of the week. He will be trained to work with children who have special needs, suffer bereavement or who are upset in any way and in need of calm, comfort and space before being able to tell an adult what has upset them.

Rafi will also be available to work with children (and adults) who have had bad experiences with dogs or other animals. Over an eight week period children who react badly to dogs will be supported in approaching, handling and gaining confidence in managing their fear.

Rafi at 7 months old

In the interest of health and hygiene Rafi is trained to wait until given permission to relieve himself. Thus there will be no chance of the children coming into contact with anything nasty.